October is Filipino American History Month, and whether your family has Filipino roots or you’re looking to read diverse stories, there are plenty of Filipino children’s books to choose from. While browsing our local library app, I requested some old favorites my oldest son enjoyed and explored some new titles. When we picked them up at our weekly library trip, I was excited to find even more books on display for the month in the children’s section. As a second-generation Filipino American, it’s been a delight to read these stories with my son as a way to talk about our culture and connect to our heritage.
Lolo’s Sari-Sari Store
By Sophia N. Lee, Illustrated by Christine Almeda
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Follow a young girl as she helps Lolo (grandfather) run his sari-sari store in the Philippines. The store is stocked with goods the neighborhood needs, and Lolo always says, “Sari-sari means a good variety—just look around and you’ll see. What help can you give your community?” When she moves to America, she misses Lolo and his store deeply. It’s only when she recalls her grandfather’s words that she starts to have a fresh perspective for connection and community in her new home.
Pan de Sal Saves the Day
By Norma Olizon-Chikiamco, Illustrated by Mark Salvatus
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Meet Pan de Sal, a girl named after a popular Filipino bread. She thinks she’s the unluckiest girl in the whole world. When something unexpected happens on a class field trip, she finds the courage to simply be herself and wins admiration from her classmates. What makes this story especially fun is that Pan de Sal‘s friends all have names of breads and pastries, from Croissant to Doughnut!
When Lola Visits
By Michelle Sterling, Illustrated by Aaron Asis
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Summer is special for one young girl because it’s when her Lola (grandmother) visits from the Philippines. Follow along as she describes the smells, tastes, and traditions experienced during the summer months with Lola. When Lola must return to her home, a special treat left for her granddaughter preserves the essence of their special summer a bit longer.
Box of Dreams
By Faith Kazmi, Illustrated by Christine Almeda
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A little girl watches Mama pack up a big box to send to the Philippines. It is known as a balikbayan box, meaning “return to home.” It is filled with gifts and treats for their family overseas. As the box is closed up, she sneaks in a wish: to fly with the box, meet her relatives, and experience the places where Mama grew up.
Filipino Friends
By Liana Romulo, Illustrated by Corazon Dandan-Albano
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Sam, a Filipino-American boy, visits the Philippines for the very first time. He learns about Philippine customs and traditions while playing with his cousins and visiting other family members. The illustrations include labels in English and Filipino, so readers can learn words in both languages.
Our Nipa Hut: A Story in the Philippines
By Rachell Abalos, Illustrated by Gabriela Larios
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The Mendoza family loves their traditional Filipino nipa hut and cares for it with pride. When a tropical storm arrives, Yelena, Papa, and their nipa hut weather it together. This particular book we borrowed from the library has a special feature: there are audio controls on the inside cover that let you listen to the story being read aloud. Learn more about VOX Books.
These are Filipino children’s books I wish I had access to growing up. Reading them has given me a sense of pride in my culture that I hope my sons can gain too. We especially love seeing the unique foods we eat and enjoy as a family represented on the pages, along with Filipino values of family love, community, and resilience.
Have any of these Filipino children’s books become favorites in your house? I’d love to hear which stories have resonated with your family or discover other recommendations in the comments below.
Happy exploring!